The Shanghai Industrial Museum, a monumental project still under construction, made a mark at the ongoing 2024 China International Industry Fair (CIIF) by presenting its progress at an exhibition booth set in a converted shipping container at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

Outlined as a key initiative in the Shanghai Municipal Government's work reports for both 2023 and 2024, the museum is spearheaded by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization. Located on the Huangpu River waterfront, the museum stands adjacent to the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) Pavilion within the former Shanghai World Expo site and directly faces Mercedes-Benz Arena.

"The Shanghai Industrial Museum will take visitors on a journey through history, showcasing the remarkable achievements of Shanghai, as well as China's industrial development," said a representative, who prefers to remain anonymous, at the CIIF exhibition.

The museum has already curated an impressive collection of artifacts, models, and historical documents. Notable treasures include China's first domestically developed 10,000-ton hydraulic press, an 1882 incandescent light bulb from China's first home-made lamp brand, a 1955 Forever brand bicycle symbolizing the onset of independent design and manufacturing in China's bicycle industry, and a beloved Red Lantern 711 radio from the 1970s.

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum is envisioned as a multifaceted hub housing five centers: a science popularization and education center, an industrial design center, an international exhibition center, a brand empowerment center, and a cultural exchange center. Plans are in place for hosting product launches, prestigious forums, international conferences, award ceremonies, and collaborative events in conjunction with CIIF.

The industrial design center, in collaboration with 150 top international designers, will offer design empowerment services to businesses seeking product design, co-branding opportunities, and incubation support, facilitating brand enhancements and domestic and international promotion.

Upon its completion, the Shanghai Industrial Museum aims to serve as a global window narrating the saga of Shanghai's industrial legacy and the ascent of China while honoring the remarkable creators, manufacturers, and workers who have sculpted this transformative journey.

Source: The Paper